Philippines

At a Glance

Capital

Manila

Language

Tagalog

Population

104,256,076 (July 2017 est.)

GDP Total

$875.6 billion (2017 est.)

GDP Per Capita

$8,300 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in the Philippines. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to the Philippines may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings or round table discussions

Attend conferences or seminars

Visit a current project site or a factory floor for informational purposes

Negotiate contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for the Philippines?

Nationals from the European Union, Canada, the United States and many other countries do not require a visa to enter the Philippines to conduct business activities for a short duration. If your nationality is not on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a 9(A) Visa from a Philippine consulate or embassy, prior to travel.

Working in the Philippines

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Philippine law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in the Philippines, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work

Repairs and maintenance

Project planning or implementation

Marketing

Auditing

Providing and receiving technical training

If I am traveling to the Philippines for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications and salary, on whether your employer has an entity in the Philippines, and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common Philippine work permits are:

Special Work Permit (short-term work permit)

9(G) Work Visa & Alien Employment Permit (standard work permit)

47(A)(2) Visa & Alien Employment Permit (special cases work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

There are no nationals with established work authorization exemptions in the Philippines.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.